Looking at persecution and suffering theologically

Abstract

Persecution and suffering for Christ are important parts of our overall work to advance the church in every part of the world. Western theologies tend to reflect a church established in a particular culture without reference to the global mission of the church and the possible negative outcomes of the gospel’s encounter with other cultures. Therefore it is necessary to include persecution and suffering for Christ which are present realities in many countries, in our theological reflections. As an initial step, we should embrace the reality of persecution.